Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station Lafayette, Indiana
Mimeo AS-294 April 28, 1961 (Progress Report)
VARIOUS RATIOS OF CORN AND CORN SILAGE IN THE FATTENING RATION OF BEEF CALVES
T. W. Perry, Donald Webb, C. H. Nickel and W. M. Beeson
(Conducted at Lynnwood Farm, Carmel, Indiana)
------------------------------------Summary--------------------------------------
Economical gains were made in all lots of calves fed 2 pounds Supplement A, various levels of corn and free choice corn silage and minerals (feed cost per pound gain 12,4 to 16,1 cents)»
Most economical gains were made by the calves in Lot 1 fed 105 pounds corn in addition to Supplement A and corn silage (12,4 cents), However, these cattle did not gain as rapidly as those fed higher levels of corn. Also, their gains appeared to be more growing gains and less finishing gains than the cattle fed from one-third to a full-feed of corn, Yearling cattle can be fattened out satisfactorily on a full feed of corn silage, 2 pounds Supplement A and 1,5 to 2 pounds shelled corn. However, calves apparently do not have the digestive capacity to eat enough silage to reach a market finish on such a program and thus require additional grain,
Calves in Lot 3 fed 2/3 full feed of corn actually gained most rapidly (2,46 pounds per day) of the lots compared. Calves fed a full feed of corn gained at practically the same rate (2,40 pounds per day), but the feed cost per pound of gain was 10 percent higher than those fed 2/3 of a full feed (feed cost per pound of gain 16ol vs, 14c6 cents).
Based on one yearns research, it would appear that most rapid, efficient and practical growing and fattening gains for beef calves fed corn silage and supplement would be obtained by feeding from 4 to 8 pounds of corn per head daily. Probably near the end of the finishing period for cattle started as calves, a heavy feed of corn would be desirable for the finish needed for reaching a U. S, Choice grade.
Final evaluation of the research cannot be made until the cattle are marketed and carcass grades are obtained from the different levels of corn.
Economical Gains
One of the most logical approaches to lowering the cost of beef production is through maximum use of corn silage, A corn silage program is especially applicable to cattle fattening rations. In fact, U, S. Choice beef has been produced when yearling cattle have been fed a full feed of corn silage (50 to 55 pounds per head, daily) plus 3,5 pounds of Purdue Supplement A, daily, for a period of approximately 6 months. It should be pointed out that this fattening ration for yearling cattle contained no corn other than that contained naturally in the corn silage.